How To Spend A Day - Or Weekend - In Berry, NSW
A haven for lovers of good food, boutique shopping and country-coastal charm
Your guide to Berry, NSW
Situated an easy less-than-two-hours drive from Sydney (and even nearer to the shores of the Shire), Berry has long been both a stopover and destination for those who enjoy a jaunt down the NSW South Coast.
Lush, rolling hills frame either side of the highway, and as you roll into town, hit the 50 km/hour speed zone and trundle past the somewhat iconic gazebo in Apex Park, Berry’s country-coastal charm is immediately apparent. A holiday hotspot, it has long drawn lovers of good food, slow living, fashion and interiors with its wide selection of boutiques, stores and eateries.
So, if a day trip or a weekend escape is just what the doctor ordered, here’s our guide to eating, drinking, sleeping and shopping in Berry, NSW.
Things to do in Berry
The Berry Donut Van
Come on now, surely you’ve heard of the Berry Donut Van. Famous for (justified) long lines, this cute little roadside pit stop has been cinnamon-topping donuts for locals and tourists alike for over 55 years.
Drawing Room Rocks Walk
There’s no denying that Berry is blessed with pristine surroundings, and one of the best ways to check them out is via the Drawing Room Rocks walk. Admittedly, it’s not one for the faint-of-heart; it’s a two and half hour return and a steep ascent. But the views? So worth it.
Coolangatta Estate
Winery Hop
Berry boasts several award-winning wineries and beautiful cellar doors. Dedicate a day to exploring the signature drops at Two Figs, Silos Estate, Crooked River, Mountain Ridge Wines, and Coolangatta Estate, all within a 15 minute drive from town. Enjoy the distinct flavours and take a few bottles home to enjoy later.
The best cafes and restaurants in Berry
Berry General Store
Die-hard Berry fans may remember the old Sourdough Bakery, which in later years became The Hungry Monkey. Since, the gorgeous leafy cottage on Prince Alfred Street has undergone yet another transformation and is now the newly-opened Berry General Store. The menu is simple, servicing must-have classics like a bacon-packed Brekky Roll and Chilli Fried Eggs, as well as a few fun additions such as their mandarin nutty Rice Pudding. Lunchtime brings the most delicious packed-to-the-edges sandwiches and daily salads. Nailing a nostalgic, corner-store vibe, the Berry General Store also sells treats, cold drinks, retail goods and specialty liquor.
iv
Open every day of the year (yes, even Christmas), iv is undoubtedly the best place to catch your caffeine hit. Be sure to pick up one of their giant cookies while you’re there!
Milkwood Bakery
Established in 2012, Milkwood’s selection of cakes, pastries, freshly-baked bread and sandwiches are the best in town. We highly recommend the lamb and pine nut sausage roll, or the vegetarian-friendly cauliflower and pecorino pie.
Il Locale
Once a by-day ice creamery and sandwich shop, Il Locale has recently levelled-up and is now a fully-fledged breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks (including local beers on tap) venue open five days a week.
Queen Street Eatery
An indulgent, European-style menu and an impressive local and international wine list has firmly established Queen Street Eatery as one of Berry’s most cherished venues.
The Berry Hotel/Southern Hotel
Nothing beats a small town pub, and Berry has two: Southern Hotel, which has a great street-facing verandah and pool tables, and The Berry Hotel, owned and operated by our very own Feros Group.
Accommodation to book in Berry
The Berry View
Bangalay Villas
The Berry View
The Berry View captures the beauty of Australia's new-found obsession with retro motels: sensitively refurbished rooms with all the groove of a bygone era.
Bangalay Villas
While not strictly in Berry, nearby Shoalhaven Heads’ Bangalay Villas deserves a gold-star mention. Think seriously chic coastal design with a focus on wellbeing and fine dining.
Belairberry
Those who have taken a stroll down Queen Street may well already be familiar with the circular windows, spiral external staircase and overall quintessential mid-century design of this iconic architectural pad. Sleeping up to 14 adults, this uber-cool stay will have you feeling like you’ve taken a step back in time.
Where to shop in Berry
Few and Far
Antique and hand-picked treasures await at this gorgeous and expansive homewares, gifting and furniture store in the heart of Berry.
Pictured.
Juniper Hearth
Tucked neatly away from the hustle and bustle of Queen Street, this fashion and homewares store stocks ethically-minded treasures sourced from makers located all over the world.
Amara Home
A focus on high-end fashion and curated homewares forms the ethos at Amara Home, a vine-covered haven for those who seek one-off pieces and luxury finds.
Pictured.
Shady Fig
Florist Michelle Collison’s eye for beautiful things takes physical form in every corner of Shady Fig. Expect to find homewares from small makers alongside some of the most impressive and lush blooms you’ve ever seen.
Posted: January 2023